Bird book in hand… let’s see – reddish purple – bingo – a flock of house finches!

I delighted in watching them flit back and forth between the trees, noting that the dead limb in need of pruning is once again a favorite perch for our new visitors to Entwined Gardens – The same branch is used often for bluebirds & hummers, that enjoy having safe lookout from above. Note to self: No need to prune every dead branch!

Fascinated by their antics flitting in and out of our rain chains, I was unable to pull myself from the window and run down the 2 flights & back to get my camera. They were also up in the Crepe Myrtle allee. A good spot for insect hunting… my only prayer – hope they love Japanese beetles!

Alas – strictly vegetarian feeders according to Wild Birds Unlimited and approximately 97% of their diet is made up of vegetable matter including buds, seeds, and fruits. They are strongly attracted to feeders, where they prefer small sunflower seeds. Due to a mild spring the Crepe Myrtles buds were already beginning to swell.

The tiny copper cups shaped like acorns of our rain chains were definitely an attraction to these winged migrants….

Copper Rain Chains – Beautiful but a dangerous place for a nest.

Although tempting as nesting sites, when the afternoon western sun engulfs the copper, a good conductor of heat might result in miniature egg poachers.

Or should a sudden storm swell up in the heavens and give us a spring shower, the eggs and nesting materials would be flushed away in the torrent of gushing water from the gutters.

Like all visitors, we enjoyed them thoroughly! A few hours later as quickly as the came, they were gone. The delightful chirps and frolicking flashes of color, now just pleasant memories of their visit to Entwined Gardens.

John Martin is one of the most talented young men I have ever had the privilege of kn0wing. He can do anything. Ask him about his orchids, his cooking, and all the other many talents he has that you probably do not know about.. God bless you John, Ila Faye Rowland, friend of your Mother.

[…] For centuries, the Prunus mume has inspired traditional East Asian art and poetry. The famous Japaneses Kairaku-en Gardens were created with just that purpose in mind. I can hardly imagine being transported with the overwhelming scent of 3,000 specimens, knowing the power of just one at Entwined Gardens! […]